NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Bridgestone Agricultural Tire, U.S. & Canada Commercial Tire Sales (BAAG), a division of Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO), today announced that Tony M. Orlando has been appointed to lead agricultural tire operations. As president for BAAG, Orlando will lead the development and execution of the strategic direction of the North American agricultural tire business.

Orlando brings 27 years of experience, including 26 of those years at BP. Orlando began his career at BP in 1988, joining the company as a manufacturing process engineer. Rising through the ranks, Orlando has served in many roles including strategy development, financial analysis, mergers and acquisitions, joint venture management, business development and sales and marketing. Orlando also spent several years of his BP career in London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Most recently, Orlando was Vice President and managed several global partnerships in the U.S. mobility and retail market space.

“Tony’s extensive customer strategy, innovation, sales and marketing experience and proven leadership skills will be a significant asset to our team,” said Kurt Danielson, president, U.S. & Canada Commercial Tire Sales. “Tony will lead the development and execution of the strategic direction of our North American agricultural tire business, working closely with the commercial tire business leaders to identify common and new opportunities and further position Bridgestone as a leader in agricultural solutions.”

Orlando earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA in finance and marketing from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Orlando replaces Kenneth Allen, who retired last June.